Barometric Pressure May Affect Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Lower barometric pressure is associated with higher self-reported pain scores in fibromyalgia patients, but more research is needed to determine causation.

People with fibromyalgia often report that the weather, particularly the barometric pressure, affects their symptoms.

Also called atmospheric pressure, barometric pressure is the amount of air pressure in the atmosphere. It is higher when oxygen molecules are more concentrated and is basically a measure of the heaviness of the air at a given time.

The thinking behind this theory is that when barometric pressure drops, the “lighter” air may make joints, tendons, and muscles swell to compensate, causing pain.

While there’s evidence to support the idea that air pressure does indeed affect conditions like arthritis , headaches , and generalized chronic pain, so far, the research on the link between barometric pressure and fibromyalgia is limited. Here’s what to know.

How does barometric pressure affect fibromyalgia?

In a 2019 study of 48 patients with fibromyalgia , researchers compared self-reported pain scores over a 30-day period with local weather data. They found lower barometric pressure to be strongly correlated with higher pain scores in the majority of patients studied. The breakdown was as follows:

• 40 out of 48 patients reported more pain on lower barometric pressure days.
• 8 out of 48 patients reported more pain on higher barometric pressure days.

Researchers noted that the second subgroup had lower baseline anxiety levels than the control group. Lower barometric pressure was also linked to higher stress levels. As a result, scientists speculated that there may be a mental-emotional component to pain levels in those with fibromyalgia, though it’s not yet well understood.

Other key findings include the following:

• Higher humidity was associated with higher pain scores.
• Colder temperatures were associated with higher pain scores.

In a 2021 study , researchers found that 58% of 64 patients with fibromyalgia said weather-related factors aggravate their symptoms. Here are some other key findings:

• Researchers used a self-reported quality-of-life measure where 1 is perfect health and 0 is many health difficulties. On average, fibromyalgia patients reported a score of 0.55.
• Researchers found that the 37 people with weather sensitivity had worse quality of life scores (by an average of 0.16 points) than those who didn’t report weather sensitivity. They also reported an average of 1.5 more pain points on a scale of 0 to 10.

Keep in mind that these sample sizes are small and that there are few studies on the link between barometric pressure and fibromyalgia in particular. Although there appears to be a strong association, scientists have not conclusively shown that barometric pressure causes increased pain.

However, in a 2020 study of 10,584 patients with chronic pain, researchers also found a strong association between lower barometric pressure and higher pain scores over the course of 15 months. About 26% of those surveyed had fibromyalgia, while the rest had other health issues, including various forms of arthritis, neuropathic pain, headaches, and migraine episodes.

The best weather for fibromyalgia flare-ups

Based on the (somewhat limited) data, the best weather for those with fibromyalgia appears to be :

• higher barometric pressure
• lower humidity
• less rain
• calmer winds
• warmer temperatures

Keep in mind that fibromyalgia flare-ups tend to be individualized, with some patients reporting increased pain on higher barometric pressure days, for instance. Many people with fibromyalgia also don’t report experiencing weather-related sensitivity at all.

What’s the best place to live for those with fibromyalgia?

As noted above, fibromyalgia symptoms tend to be highly individualized, so it’s challenging to pinpoint the optimal climate for those with fibromyalgia.

However, since many people with fibromyalgia report improved symptoms with warmer weather, less rain, and less humidity, desert regions may offer the most relief. In fact, there are many anecdotal reports of people living with fibromyalgia experiencing pain reduction after moving to these areas.

In the United States, this includes regions like:

• The Mojave Desert , which covers parts of southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and northwestern Arizona. This includes areas around Las Vegas and Death Valley.
• The Sonoran Desert , spanning parts of southern Arizona and southeastern California, including areas around Phoenix and Tucson.
• The Chihuahuan Desert , which covers parts of southern New Mexico and west Texas, including areas around El Paso.
• The Colorado Plateau , including parts of southeastern Utah, northern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southwestern Colorado. While this region can have cooler temperatures at higher elevations, lower areas often meet the criteria.
• The Great Basin , including parts of Nevada, western Utah, and southeastern Oregon. Some areas, particularly at lower elevations (such as Reno), meet most of the criteria.
• The Southern California Interior , including inland areas of southern California such as the Coachella Valley (where Palm Springs is located) and Imperial Valley.

Will climate change affect fibromyalgia symptoms?

So far, there’s no evidence that climate change will affect fibromyalgia symptoms. However, since climate change is associated with moisture evaporation that worsens severe rainfall, increased rain and humidity may affect people negatively in some regions.

Meanwhile, hotter temperatures shouldn’t negatively affect those with fibromyalgia and may even improve symptoms for some. On the other hand, climate change is also associated with more frequent and more severe storms, so those experiencing pain during times of shifting barometric pressure may be negatively affected.

Treatment options for weather-related fibromyalgia pain

Potential strategies for managing weather-related fibromyalgia pain include the following:

• Monitor your symptoms and local weather patterns to identify your unique triggers. A symptom journal may be helpful with this.
• Use climate control support in your home, including dehumidifiers, to reduce moisture in the air.
  • You may also want to keep your home at a slightly higher temperature or use a heating unit (e.g., by your desk or bed) to reduce symptoms. Heated blankets may also help lend relief at nighttime or while lounging on the couch.
• Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and discuss adjustments to your pain medications.

Remember, treating fibromyalgia typically requires an individualized, multifaceted approach. Learn more about general treatments for fibromyalgia .

Takeaway

While research into the relationship between weather and fibromyalgia pain is ongoing, evidence increasingly supports a connection between lower barometric pressure and higher pain scores in fibromyalgia patients.

Keep in mind that everyone with fibromyalgia is different, with many people saying that they don’t experience any weather-related sensitivities at all. Ultimately, understanding your personal triggers can help you better manage your symptoms and improve your day-to-day quality of life.